Bowyer left Richard Childress Racing after last season to join MWR as MWR was more willing to take a risk with only 22 sponsored races from 5-Hour Energy. That sponsorship eventually increased into the whole season.

In his Chase seasons, Bowyer was third in 2007, fifth in 2008 and 10th in 2010. In 2010, Bowyer’s hopes were derailed by a 150-point penalty for an illegal car.

“I’ve gotten close a few times,” Bowyer said. “When I am in the Chase, we’ve always been in the top five. I know we didn’t finish there when we finished 10th, but we ran there—60-thousandsths of an inch cost me five positions I wasn’t very happy about (NASCAR’s penalty).

“That being said, I think we’re capable of getting the job done. I think we can compete with these guys.”

Bowyer feels that way because he has 10 top-eight finishes in his last 14 races.

“If we can continue that and improve on that, step up and rise to the occasion when the time is right, I think we can do it,” Bowyer said. “There is a tremendous amount of pressure on everybody—not just the drivers out there on the racetrack.

“To be able to rise to the occasion under that pressure is hard to do. If you can do that, you will be there when the time is right.”

It might be easier for Bowyer’s team to handle the pressure because it shouldn’t feel too much. Many didn’t even think this team would get in the Chase.

“It’s a bonus from here on out,” Bowyer said. “It starts with making the Chase. Everybody that’s in it should have a smile on their face and feel lucky that they’re there and fortunate that they’re there and be confident that they can go out and have fun with it.

“That’s what I feel like I can bring to the table, to make sure that it stays fun and stays where it needs to be.”

The key to improving throughout the Chase is continuing to learn from each other and improve communication, Bowyer said.

If they can do that, they just might find themselves challenging for the title. And if he wins it? Bowyer has a prediction:

“To win a championship? It would be pretty big,” Bowyer said. “It would be a hell of a lot of fun. Jimmie (Johnson) seems like he has a blast doing it.

“I promise you I could throw a better party than him. Might not survive it, but we would have a lot of fun.”